The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof Olusola Kehinde, on Wednesday, called for the support of the education of inmates across the correctional facilities in the country.
Kehinde said that given the transformative power of education and the desire of the society to see the inmates turn a new leaf and be useful to themselves and the society, government, organisations and public-spirited individuals must double up efforts to invest in the education of the inmates in the country.
The vice chancellor, represented by the Director, Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment, FUNAAB, Fafiolu Olusesan, made this call during the graduation of 38 inmates of Correctional Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta from West African College for Christian Missions, Abeokuta Campus, an affiliate of Freedom University and Theological Seminary, Pottstown, USA.
The inmates who were sponsored by the college bagged Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Diploma in Missions.
He explained that even though no one is born a criminal but some society sometimes teaches some people to believe they have no other option and that even though a prison cell holds a body, it should never be allowed to imprison a mind.
Kehinde said that across the world, correctional facilities are overflowing with individuals who carry the weight of their crimes, the burden of lost opportunity and the residue of broken systems.
The VC said, “In this environment, education emerges not just as a privilege, but as a powerful catalyst for change. It is more than textbooks and lectures; it is a pathway to dignity, purpose, and reintegration.
“When we empower inmates with knowledge, we ignite the spark of reformation. Education behind bars is not just about passing exams; it’s about reshaping futures and rewriting destinies.
“Education is a catalyst for total reformation. It equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to break free from the shackles of their past and forge a new path.
“For those who have been incarcerated, education offers a second chance to rediscover themselves, to learn from their mistakes, and to become productive members of society.”
He added that in as much as it is believed that educated ex-inmates are more likely to become law-abiding citizens, helping to reduce crime and fostering a safer environment, there must therefore be increased support for the education of inmates across the country.
Speaking at the event, the Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, represented by the Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina, lauded the theology school for partnering with the command to bring out the best in the inmates.
Nwakuche also emphasised the power of education to turn around the life of the inmates, especially in a correctional facility, describing it as “a tool for reform, a bridge for reintegration and a spark of hope for a better and more fruitful future”
While congratulating the graduates, the Controller General said that the graduation ceremony also reinforced the fact that rehabilitating the inmates to become better members of the society is not a myth
He therefore urged stakeholders to join efforts with the government in the onerous tasks of reforming the inmates while allowing them to be useful to themselves and the country as a whole
The Provost of the college, Prof Ohiku, represented by Prof Olanrewaju Oluwasanu, the Registrar General of the school, congratulated the graduates for enduring through thick and thin to complete their academic programmes.
Ohiku, however, called on the graduates, having been armed with the truth and right knowledge of the Almighty God, to go and shine the light and help win the world to Christ.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, Oluwadamilare Olagoke, a Masters Degree holder in Banking and Finance, commended the college for investing their time and resources into making the inmates change agents.
Olagoke pleaded with the government to do more in decongesting the correctional facilities, explaining that a lot of them, through several reformative programmes just like the one the college offered, have helped them see reasons to embrace change of character and be useful to themselves and the society
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